Monday, June 30, 2008

When things happen that are out of my control, I try to keep control of my own thoughts. I like to view those things from a bird's perspective.They can always see more than we can becausethey leave the nest and fly above it all.They see the big picture, which is sometimesnot evident to us, at the moment.It isalways a much prettier view from up above.

Case in point.....my new warehouse space.

Had to find another space due to the landlord at

the old space being able to make more money off

another tenant. Didn't want the other space in

the building on the 3rd floor he offered, so

had to start searching for a new nest.

Glad I flew the coup or would not have found this !

Thank you universe!!!

Now, can this handle some photo shoots or what??

AND, there are a few birds lurking above.

Oh, and yes, I have a warehouse AND a retail

store loaded with....you guessed it..

Country French Antiques.

Louis XVI style double bed, late 1800's. This is the headboard, all original paint.

Maybe a bit of clarification on exactly what we do

since I'm getting more emails everyday.

* We sell Country French and Italian Antiques

and Brocante to the trade and the public

* We do specialize in supplying the trade.....

with individual pieces or 20, 40, 45 ft containers

(all inclusive of packing, shipping & customs)

* We offer Interior Design services and

Store Merchandising services

The foot board or......sans pieds and she becomes a piece of art !

For the trade....I work on a percentage basis of the total

inventory purchased. You know, the more you buy,

the better the price.

I have a partial place of residence, a warehouse location

and a car when I travel, so there are no travel expenses

for you.

It is basically the same as buying from a picker in France.

If you would like more information, don't hesitate

to contact me.

Have you ever seen garden chairs like these?There are a pair.

A Louis XV style Armoire from the late 1800's.

Isn't she lovely?

Don't just think outside. There are two pair of these

grey shutters.

How about a Venetian lingerie commode from the

late 1800's? Can't reproduce this one.

I just can't get the photos to do these columns justice.

They are 9ft tall and yes they do stand on their own.

Care for a primitive rustic bonnetiere?

Bonnetiere's are one door armoires, but are called so,

because their original use was to store my ladie's bonnets.

The armoire's original use was for, you guessed it, armour.

France has more than it's share of armoires and

bonnetiere's. Houses were taxed on square footage,

so closets equated to unnecessary tax.

Know what this is? A flag holder. It has a little shelf on

the back with holes for flag poles. I love these things!

A pewter lavabo mounted on a carved oak piece

A pair of Rope Bergeres for the garden, or bedroom, or breakfast room,

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Some things just have an aura of Romance.France would be one of those things!

When I travel to France to buy antiques and brocante, I try to capture her romance in the objects I bring back.This is why I'll never ship back a containersans shutters!

I look for objects that are unique to France and theFrench lifestyle. That can be in the colors or thelines the pieces possess.Finding those French signatures can take me to out of the way places.I adore those places. Where else would I see camouflage netting providing shade while bouncing the suns beautiful rays?This artist captured her beauty don't you think?There are some patina's you just cannot reproduce.

Some things even when they are quiet, speak of their past.If you listen closely, you can hear the story.They can come in all shapes and sizesAnd be found in the most hidden places.Even in the caves of Opera Houses.I'm lucky to have so many contacts that many times,I get 1st dibs.

I'm up at 5am to hit the markets early and have a couple of French friends who know my style. We each start in different corners and my cell is neverfar from my ear.I did get the Louis XV style petite commode.

A quick scour of the market and I'm off, to a remotelocation. A backyard full of garden delights.Are you familiar with Mathieu Mategot?He was a wonderful French Designer whose piecesaren't easy to find. Guess what I found?

A Ruffier bistro table. Can't pass on this one.I'd say she captures France at her best!

An unexpected stop and I find this 18th century Dutch beauty.BUT...I have to pass. She would have to retail for $12,000.I am on a budget you know and those kind of pricesscare me a bit.If you want her, let me know and I'll be glad to get hernext time around, (if she is still there).

Some bottle drying racks, French body buckets and thesewonderful copper cheese molds did get loaded in thecontainer.

l'heure pour le déjeuner

Fast forward. The container has made her wayacross the Atlantic. She is full of 19th centurystripped pine cupboards, original painted armoiresand Country French pieces.Mirrored tables, scrolly iron pieces, weathered urns andlots of white.Feminine gold chevets and Louis XVI just followsme wherever I go.

A French monastery case clock, delicately painted tablesthat are early 20th century, a secretary that is todie for and did you see the grey shutters?

Greys and whites, and canvas covered booksThis is what a container unloading looks like.Trust me, it will come to life.The scent of lavender still lurks in this Herbist cabinet.Can you picture this in an original kitchen?I can, oh boy can I.Are you starting to get the picture?This is France!!!!I came back with a bit more Swedish this time too.

These 19th century, weathered white columns have a patina that you wouldn't believe!Want to see it all ?Join us this Saturday and Sunday at Atelier Homein Chagrin Falls, Ohio, from 10- 6 pm.

Bisou mon ami's, hope to see you there !!and don't forget to smell the roses!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Creativity...that originality, freshness, beingable to interpret things in a whole new light.Michel Tcherevkoffglances at a photo of a leafhe had taken, during a photo shoot for Prescriptives.It happens to be lying upside down on the table.In that moment he sees not a leaf, but ashoe, and Voila, a fantasy world comes to life.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

My favorite antique? That is like asking a motherof eight which is her favorite child ! Can't dojust one.... unless I can say French!!!!!Keri from Antique Therapystarted a game,blog about your favorite antique 's and Iwanted to play!So here are 15 of my favorite things.Over the years I have been lucky enough to come acrossfour French, tower clock faces. I find myself fascinatedby these historical keepers of time. If you would liketo read more about my thoughts on clocks, click hereAnd...talk about an unusual focal point in a room!You can't find these jewels at your local Pottery Barn.

I also happen to have a weakness for antique gardenstatuary and their weathered patina's. Not to mention monogrammed linens, gilding,and anything with French writing. Just imaginehow many violins harmonized in French OperaHouse's with the aid of these cards.Reminds me, if you have not read the WashingtonPost article, Pearls Before Breakfast, an articleabout Beauty and the violinist, Josh Bell, you reallyshould !!Okay, you know that I love BIG, zinc, dogs, andarchitectural items. So, comes as no surprise thatyou would find over the top dog houses with zincmolded roofs, gutters and trim or fabulous chateauwindows in my store. Right ???

La Proprietress

Bienvenue!
We are glad you stopped by to share in some of our French Finds and should you feel the need to become a Guardian of any, feel free to contact us anytime!
We hope our blog is a pleasurable experience!
Bisou...Shawn